Local business leaders and tourism operators have banded together to encourage Gold Coast locals to get vaccinated before borders re-open.

Queensland’s statewide current rate is 76.5 per cent single dose and 62.4 per cent fully vaccinated, but the Gold Coast is lagging behind Brisbane’s vaccination rates.

When tourists are finally allowed back in, there are fears of further lockdowns when COVID infiltrates the tourism mecca.

Chairman of Destination Gold Coast, Paul Donovan, put it down to complacency.

But he said it was critical people come out now and get the jab, to get some protection before the re-opening date.

“Our message this morning was from all of the leaders from the airport to the theme parks to the hotels, from tourism small operators: get the jab,” he told Scott Emerson.

He said they are “pushing like you wouldn’t believe” after a “terrible, disastrous” two years.

There will be pop-up vaccination hubs at some of the tourism hot spots.

Are you heading to the beach or a theme park this People’s Long Weekend?

Pop-up vaccination clinics will be set up at more than 20 @lifesavingqld clubs as well as @movieworldaus, Sea World, Dream World, @AussieWorld, @AustraliaZoo and @CWSlive on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. pic.twitter.com/zu2oUvNQkk

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 25, 2021

Press PLAY below to hear more and his impassioned plea